Methods And Systems For Providing Protection Against Harmful Material

ABSTRACT

A glove box for handling harmful material is formed to be lightweight and modular in design, allowing for use in the field and various remote locations where a full laboratory is not available. The tank portion of the glove box is formed of a rigid, lightweight plastic and includes a number of standard-sized passageways for connecting other components (intake filter, exhaust filter, input/output containers, gasketed gloves, etc), allowing for modularity in its configuration. The top portion of the glove box may include a transparent window for viewing the material within the glove box. Filter components utilize HEPA filter elements and a separate, portable power supply is used to control a vacuum fan included in an exhaust filter. The power supply can also be used to perform diagnostic tests on the glove and may include a battery back-up.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to, and claims the benefit of priority from,U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/453,520 filed Mar. 16, 2011 thecontents of which are incorporated in full herein as if such contentswere set forth in full herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

So-called “glove boxes” are used to isolate bacteriological, chemical,radiological or other harmful agents or materials (collectively referredto as “harmful material’). Glove boxes are used in many industries toensure that harmful material being tested or examined, for example,remains uncontaminated and that the individual or individualsresponsible for completing the tests, examinations, etc., are notexposed to the harmful material.

Most conventional glove boxes are used in a laboratory orindustrial/factory environment. Such glove boxes are not designed to beeasily moved from one location to another. In fact, many are used withinbuildings that have been specially designed to work with conventionalglove boxes in order to achieve the level of cleanliness/isolation andsecurity required.

For example, so-called “class 3” glove boxes are almost always connectedto external ventilation systems that use HEPA filters. ISO Standard14644-1 designates airborne particulate cleanliness inside a clean airglove box through the use of “class” definitions. ISO class 3 isequivalent to 35 particles 0.5 μm or larger per cubic meter of air. ISOclass 3 cleanliness is equivalent to class 1 air conditions as definedby Federal Standard 209E, which is one particle, 0.5 μm or larger percubic foot of air per minute.

Besides class 3, glove boxes may also be ISO-categorized as class 1 or2. The particular class assigned to a given glove box depends on itsdesign (e.g., does it meet the safety requirements of a given class 1,2, 3).

Typically, class 3 glove boxes are designed to protect its individualusers/operators against harmful material, material which if releasedfrom the glove box or which otherwise escaped could endanger theoperator and others around the operator. In general, to be categorizedas a class 3 glove box, a particular glove box must meet the followingdesign criteria: (a) must maintain a negative pressure to 0.5 inch ofwater; (b) must use a HEPA filter on any air intake; (c) must use twoHEPA filters on any air exhaust (or one HEPA filter in line with anincinerator); and (d) must be air tight to prevent ingress and egress ofsmall particulates.

As noted above, many class 3 glove boxes are used in a laboratory thatis specially designed to allow for the safe operation of the glove box.In such a setting, a glove box is typically designed to operate using anexternal support system. Said another way, the surrounding laboratory isdesigned to interface with, and support, the operation of the glove box.For example, exhaust conduits to extract air from the glove box may beprovided by the laboratory. The laboratory may also provide a source ofstable electrical power.

For some scenarios, however, it is desirable to have a class 3 glove boxwhich is portable while offering the same level of safety as static,non-movable laboratory glove boxes.

Because many laboratory glove boxes are quite heavy, they are not welladapted for mobile operations because their weight makes it highlyimprobable that they will be able to maintain their physical integrityand operational class 3 characteristics when transported, not to mentionthe difficulty in actually transporting such a glove box and itsassociated exhaust and power systems.

To date, while several class 3 glove boxes are purported to be“portable” they are not because: (a) they do not meet class 3requirements; (b) their weight exceeds 100 lbs, making it practicallyimprobable for a single individual to carry or move such a glove box;(c) they are not ruggedized, e.g., capable of maintaining class 3operating requirements while deployed in rough environments.

Still other, lightweight and inexpensive glove boxes presently promotedas class 3, portable glove boxes do not meet the required performance oroperating characteristics such as, for example, the required HEPAfilters, air pressure limitations, or the like.

To be portable, a class 3 glove box should weigh less than 100 lbs intotal, be constructed to withstand rugged environments, be operablewithout the need to rely on laboratory supplied power or auxiliaryequipment (e.g., to create a vacuum within the glove box, erectedquickly from a transport case).

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide for methods and systems, such asa class 3 glove box, that provide the same degree or higher protectionagainst harmful materials as conventional class 3 glove boxes, but whichare practically portable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The needs remaining in the prior art are addressed by the presentinvention, which relates to a glove box for handling harmful materialwhich is formed of lightweight material (i.e., rigid plastics) and ismodular in design, allowing for use in the field and various remotelocations where a full laboratory is not available. The tank portion ofthe glove box is formed of a rigid, lightweight plastic and includes anumber of standard-sized passageways for connecting other components(intake filter, exhaust filter, input/output containers, gasketedgloves, etc), allowing for modularity in its configuration and thecapability of “switching out” various components in the field. The topportion of the glove box may include a transparent window for viewingthe material within the glove box. Filter components utilize HEPA filterelements and a separate, portable power supply is used to control avacuum fan included in an exhaust filter cartridge assembly. The powersupply can also be used to perform diagnostic tests on the glove and mayinclude a battery back-up.

In one embodiment, the modular and portable glove box of the presentinvention comprises a top component, a tank component formed of a rigid,high density and lightweight plastic and comprising an upper edgeremovably attached to the top component, a floor and a plurality ofvertical walls, the vertical walls including a plurality ofstandard-sized passageways for removable connection to other components,with all unused passageways covered with a blank connector to maintainthe airtight integrity of the glove box, at least one filter componentremovably attached to a standard-sized passageway of a tank verticalwall for filtering air associated with the glove box and an input/outputcomponent removably attached to a standard-sized passageway of a tankvertical sidewall for introducing harmful material to, or extractingharmful material from, the glove box.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a modularand portable glove box as described above and a portable power controlsubsystem for use with the glove box to control the air flow andpressure within the glovebox.

Other and further embodiments of the present invention will becomeapparent during the course of the following discussion and by referenceto the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A depicts an exemplary embodiment of a glove box designed inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 1B depicts another exemplary embodiment of a glove box designed inaccordance with the present invention highlighting major structuralcomponents of such a glove box.

FIG. 1C depicts another exemplary embodiment of a glove box designed inaccordance with the present invention showing reversible intake andexhaust sections on sides of the glove box.

FIG. 1D depicts a simplified exploded view of a filtering arrangementwhich may form part of an intake or exhaust section according anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1E depicts examples of a top section of a glove box accordingembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1F depicts a top section of a glove box inverted and placed intothe glove box, and the glove box inserted into a carrying case accordingan embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1G depicts an alternative exploded view of a filtering arrangementwhich may form part of an intake section according to an embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 1H depicts an alternative exploded view of a filtering arrangementwhich may form part of an exhaust section according to an embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a tank portion of a glove boxin accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 depicts exemplary embodiments of insert portions of a glove boxin accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 4A depicts an exemplary embodiment of a system for providingprotection against harmful materials, including an exemplary glove boxin accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 4B depicts an exemplary embodiment of power, signaling and controlunits used with a system for providing protection against harmfulmaterials in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 4C depicts an exemplary embodiment of a power and signalingcartridge installed in a glove box and connected to a power and controlunit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4D depicts a simplified exploded view of a power and signalingcartridge in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4E depicts an exemplary embodiment of a power and control unit inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1A there is shown an exemplary embodiment of a glovebox 1 designed in accordance with the present invention. It should benoted that while only a few of the features of the glove box 1 shown inFIG. 1A will be discussed herein, the scope of the present inventionincludes all of the features shown in FIG. 1A (as well as the otherFigures).

Before discussing the elements of the glove box 1, it should be notedthat in accordance with the present invention novel glove boxes areprovided that meet one or more of the following criteria: (i)lightweight (e.g., 100 lbs or less); (ii) made from ruggedized material(e.g., to be more rugged than glove boxes made for fixed installationssuch as laboratories); (iii) designed to be transported and erected inthe field and to maintain class 3 operating characteristics inchallenging environments; (iv) includes an integrated glove box andpower supply; (v) provides in-field modularity (e.g., can bereconfigured between, and during, specific uses to achieve neededfunctionality); and (vi) modular design (e.g., component size and shape,number of components, etc., making up glove box may be modified easilyto adapt to different requirements).

The modularity of the novel glove boxes provided by the presentinvention may be demonstrated by referring to FIG. 1B. As shown, theglove box 100 is shown in a simplified “exploded” view as comprising: atop section 200 a (“top”), tank section 300 (“tank”), input/outputinsert section 400 and filtering arrangement 600 a. In accordance withthe present invention the shape of the top 200 a may take many forms,including the five sided one shown in FIG. 1B. For example, referring toFIG. 1E there are shown exemplary tops m accordance with the presentinvention. Top 200 a (as also shown m FIG. 1B), a flat top 200 b and avariable dimension top 200 c whose dimensions may be varied to encloseitems to be studied (e.g., military shells) that may not fit if top 200a is used, are shown as just some of the examples of a top. Top 200 cmay be made from the same material as top 200 a or may be made from afabric, tent-like material, expandable material or a flexible plastic,at times able to form a bubble-like surface.

Referring back to FIG. 1B, top 200 a may include a “see through” section500 (sometimes referred to as a port) or may be provided without such asection. In accordance with embodiments of the invention, the seethrough section 500 may be made from glass, plexiglas, a polycarbonateor another suitable and analogous material. When provided with such asection 500 the operator is able to view material within the tank 300.Yet further, the top 200 made have a flat or “bubble-like” surface.

As shown m the embodiment of FIG. 1B, the tank 300 includes upper andlower edge surfaces that extend beyond its vertical side walls to, forexample, provide protection and ease of transportation.

Referring to FIG. 1F there is depicted an exemplary top section 200 a ofa glove box shown inverted (upside down) and placed into a tank (notshown; underneath the top section 200 a), with the combination insertedinto a carrying case 202 according an embodiment of the invention. Thisallows the glove box system to be easily transported.

Each of the components shown in FIG. 1B are modular in nature meaningthat each component may be modified in shape, form, and sometimes evenfunction yet all components may still be combined into an integral glovebox. The use of standard interfaces (i.e., inside and outside cylinderdimensions of ports around the perimeter of the glove box) allows fordifferent components to be “swapped out” in the field (since allcomponents will fit into the standard-sized openings around theperimeter of the glove box) New components and tools can continue to bedeveloped that maintain this same standard interface, allowing for newerfeatures to be deployed quickly.

Though not shown in FIG. 1B, it should be understood that gasketingmaterial and/or a gasket may be placed around the top perimeter of thetank 300 and/or bottom perimeter of the top 200 a such that when the top200 a and tank 300 are connected together a tight and reliable seal iscreated between them. The gaskets and/or gasketing material may be madeof various material, such as rubber or another elastic polymer, anethylene propylene diene monomer, or a synthetic rubber to give just afew examples.

Yet further, it should be understood that the top section 200 a and tank300 may be connected by various means, including the use of one or morescrew and bolt combinations spaced appropriately around an edge 201 ofthe top section 200 a, for example, that are connected via suitableholes in the tank and top section 200 a, or by means of one or more camlock (pressure activated) mechanisms that are also spaced appropriatelyaround the top section 200 a, for example (though the placement of thescrew/bolt combinations or cam mechanisms may be varied provided, thatthe result is a tight and reliable seal between the top section 200 aand tank 300).

Though the exemplary glove boxes shown in the figures and theirsubcomponents herein may be made using welds and welded plastic methodsit should be understood that alternative glove boxes and theirsubcomponents may be made using molds and molding methods. Inparticular, if dimensions of one or more components is modified, amethod employed by the present invention will use a software program tochange all other related dimensions to form a proper, airtight unit. Inthis case, molding may be preferred method of manufacture. However, theuse of welds may be preferred in situations where it is desired toincrease the height of a box, for example, by welding additionalvertical wall pieces to the original box configuration. In particular,the welding technique is preferred to maintain flexibility in easilychanging tank dimensions for specific applications. A software-basedarrangement is proposed for use in accordance with the present inventionto assist in easily changing these dimensions to produce “special order”glove boxes. For example, when the design of a glove box needs to changein one or more dimensions (length, height and width), the software willreposition all components and determine the new dimensions for allportions of the glove box, allowing for the components to bemanufactured as quickly as a standard tank It is estimated that the costof redesign and manufacturing of a special order glove box will be lessthan the cost needed today for existing glove box manufacturers tore-engineer a completely new box. This advantage allows for a user tohave a glove box perfectly adapted to his task/mission.

Referring to FIG. 1 C there is depicted another exemplary embodiment ofa glove box designed in accordance with the present invention showingreversible filtering arrangements 600 a, 600 b on sides of the glovebox. In one embodiment arrangement 600 a may be an intake section andarrangement 600 b may be an exhaust section for allowing air and othergases to enter and/or exit the glove box. In another embodimentarrangement 600 a may be an exhaust section and arrangement 600 b may bean intake section. In yet further embodiments of the invention thearrangements 600 a, 600 b may be positioned to function as an intakeand/or exhaust section to accommodate both right-handed or left-handedindividuals operating the glove box.

FIG. 1D depicts a simplified exploded view of a filtering arrangement6000 which may form part of an intake or exhaust section according anembodiment of the invention. As shown an exemplary filtering arrangement6000 includes a first filter or pre-filter 6003, a filter plate 6004, anoptional filter lock 6001, a second filter 6005 and a filter holder6002. The components 6001, 6003, 6004 and 6005 are typically housedwithin the holder 6002 and then connected to the side 6006 of a tank.Not shown in FIG. 1D are suitable gaskets that may be placed around theperimeter of each side of each component 6001, 6003, 6004 and 6005 suchthat when all of the components are connected together a tight andreliable seal is created between components. The gaskets may be made ofvarious gasketing material, such as rubber or another elastic polymer,an ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), or a synthetic rubber togive just a few examples.

In one embodiment of the invention, the first filter or pre-filter 6003may be of one thickness while the second filter 6005 may be thicker inaccordance with required sealing standards. When used together, the twosubcomponents 6003 and 6005 form a double HEPA filter. In addition, theplacement of the filters 6003, 6005 and other components shown in FIG.1D may be adjusted depending on whether the arrangement 6000 is used asan intake or exhaust section (e.g., for intake functions air flowsthrough the prefilter 6003 and then through filter 6005; for exhaustfunctions air flows through filter 6005, followed by prefilter 6003). Inyet a further embodiment of the invention, the section 6000 may comprisean autoclave and a single filter instead of prefilter 6003 and filter6005.

FIG. 1G depicts a simplified exploded view of an alternative filteringarrangement 6100 which may form part of an intake section according anembodiment of the invention. As shown, an exemplary intake filteringarrangement 6100 includes a first filter or prefilter 6103, which isused to perform an initial, coarse filtering of the ambient environment.First prefilter 6103 is positioned on the exterior surface of a filterholder 6102 and is used to prevent the excessive accumulation of dirtwithin the remaining filter elements. A second prefilter 6110 is shownas positioned on the interior surface of filter holder 6102, wheresecond prefilter 6110 is a somewhat “finer” filter that the initial,coarse prefilter 6103 and is used to protect the final (HEPA) filterfrom fine particulates and thus extend the life of the HEPA filter. Afilter plate 6104 and an optional filter lock 6101 are included insimilar fashion as the arrangement shown in FIG. 1D. In this particularthree filter embodiment, a final HEPA filter 6105 is included as thethird filtering element, where components 6110, 6104, 6101 and 6105 aretypically housed within the holder 6102 and then connected to the side6106 of a tank (not completely shown). An optional intake slide 6107 canbe used in conjunction with a coverplate 6108 to control the operationof intake filter 6100. Not shown in FIG. 1G are suitable gaskets thatmay be placed around the perimeter of each side of each component suchthat when all of the components are connected together a tight andreliable seal is created between components. The gaskets may be made ofvarious gasketing material, such as rubber or another elastic polymer,an ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), or a synthetic rubber togive just a few examples.

FIG. 1H depicts a simplified exploded view of an alternative filteringarrangement 6200 which may form part of an exhaust section according anembodiment of the invention. As shown an exemplary exhaust filteringarrangement 6200 includes a first HEPA filter 6201 which is disposedadjacent to tank side 6206. An optional filter lock 6202 and a filterplate 6203 are disposed on the opposite side of first HEPA filter 620 I.A second HEPA filter 6204 is disposed beyond filter plate 6203, wherefilters 6201 and 6204, as well as lock 6202 and plate 6203 are allpositioned within a filter holder 6205. In accordance with thisembodiment, a vacuum fan 6207 is disposed on the opposite side of filterholder 6205 a 11d is energized to assist in drawing air from within theglove box and creating the desired airtight vacuum condition. A filterlid 6208 is used to cover fan 6207 and includes a power socket 6209 forproviding the electrical input to fan 6207. Again, not shown in FigureIH are suitable gaskets that maybe placed around the perimeter of eachside of each component such that when all of the components areconnected together a tight and reliable seal is created betweencomponents. The gaskets may be made of various gasketing material, suchas rubber or another elastic polymer, an ethylene propylene dienemonomer (EPDM), or a synthetic rubber to give just a few examples.

Referring to FIG. 2 there is depicted an exemplary embodiment of a tankportion 3000 of a glove box in accordance with the present invention. Asshown, the tank 3000 forms a rectangular tank, although the tank maytake the form of any number of shapes, such as square or rounded to namejust two examples. The tank 3000 may comprise a number of subcomponentssuch as one or more insert connectors 3006 a-d, each insert being placedin a passageway 3011 a-d formed in a backplate 3008 a or b. Also shownare a pair of side plates 3007 a and b that include formed passageways3012 a and b. Each of the side plates 3007 a and b include passageways3012 a and b. Each of the passageways 3011 a-d and 3012 a and b may beused to connect input/output insert sections, like section 400 shown inFIG. 1B. In alternative embodiments of the invention section 400 maycomprise a “pass through sock” or other arrangement for introducingtools and materials to the glove box and/or extracting tools andmaterials therefrom. In one case, a pass through sock can take the formof a circular tube made of flexible, plastic-like material that coupledto a connector 3006 and installed on the glove box via a passageway 3011and used to introduce a tool into the glove box. A succession of clampsmay be placed along the tube to block the tube into several separatechambers. As the tool is brought in (or, alternatively, an item isremoved from the box), it is first isolated in a middle chamber betweena pair of clamps. An oxidizing cartridge can be used at this point inthe process to decontaminate the tool (or removed item). As analternative to the sock, a conventional dunk tank can be used andconnected to the glove box in a similar manner with a connector 3006, asattached to a passageway 3011, where again a tool (or removed item) isdumped into the bottom of the tank from inside or outside and isrecovered after a few minutes either inside or outside where needed. Thepass through sock and dunk tank are to be understood as only two ofvarious types of additional components that can be easily and quicklyattached to (or removed from) the inventive glove box during use, ThoughFIG. 1B only shows one insert section 400, it should be understood thatmultiple sections 400 may be made a part of an inventive glove box usingthe multiple insert connectors 3006 a and passageways 3011 a-d and 3012a and b.

The modularity advantages of the present invention also provides forvarious sections 400 and/or 600 a, b to have different capabilities. Forexample, the design of a particular section 400 and/or 600 a, b may bealtered to change or adjust negative pressure and/or air flowcharacteristics as needed. Further, a particular section may be made tomeet HEPA requirements (e.g., exhaust HEPA filter, supply HEPA filter)and/or ultra low particulate (ULPA) standards. Various, differentfunctional sections 400 and/or 600 a, b may be connected to accessoryunits to supply air, power or other resources to the tank 3000. Further,when a section 400, 600 a, b functions as a filter the filters maycomprise biological, chemical, carbon, radioactivity preventive filters,to name just a few examples.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention an “arms-length’ glovemade of a flexible material shaped in a form, for example, of theoutline of a person's arm and hand may be connected to one of thepassageways 3011 a-d or 3012 a and b using an appropriate insert 400 andinsert connector 3006 a-d. In a completed glove-box in accordance withan embodiment of the invention, like the one shov.TI in FIG. 1A, theglove allows an operator to contact material within the glove-box orotherwise use any tool or accessory placed within the glove box or madea part of a glove. The appropriate insert 400, insert connector 3006 aforms a class 3 glove “port” for connecting a glove to the tank 3000.

Completing the major subcomponents of the tank 3000 are a bottom plate3010 that is attached to the bottom edges of backplates 3008 a and d,and side plates 3007 a and b, and top plate 3009 that is attached to thetop edges of backplates 3008 a and d and side plates 3007 a and b.

In one embodiment of the invention, the subcomponents 3006 a through3011 d of the tank 3000 shown in FIG. 2 may be independently machinedfrom a plastic, such as a high density polyurethane (HDPE, density of0.95), or an acrylic (e.g. plexiglas) or a polycarbonate (e.g. LEXAN)and then welded or otherwise connected together to form the tank 3000.Welding of the subcomponents allows for some dimensions (such as heightand depth of the tank) to be easily modified by merely weldingadditional wall sections in place. Because glove boxes made inaccordance with the present invention use rigid, highly compressive,high tensile and shear strength materials (HDPE plastics) with lowdensities (e.g., 0.95) when compared with the densities of prior artglove boxes made from stainless steel (density 7.75), such glove boxesare both lightweight, shock resistant, and pressure resistant (i.e.,rugged). In experiments, a glove box system made in accordance with thepresent invention was dropped from a height of approximately six feetyet still maintained its shape and class 3 operating capability.

When assembled as shown in FIG. 1A glove boxes provided by the presentinvention (such as glove box 1 in FIG. 1A) meet all Class 3requirements.

Though made of rugged material, the glove boxes 1,100 are lightweightenough to be carried by a single individual One exemplary embodiment wasfound to weigh about 43.5 pounds, this weight including components suchas filters, attachment hardware and an interior light. Obviously, otherembodiments will exhibit different weights depending on factors such asdimensions of the tank, properties of the filters, and the like.

In alternative embodiments of the invention the side plates 3007 a and band/or backplates 3008 a and b may be shortened or lengthened as neededto increase, decrease or change the dimensions and/or volume of the tank3000. The use of specific design software allows for the dimensions ofall components to be automatically changed, as necessary, when thedimensions of any of these plates (or other elements) are modified,without the need to re-engineer or re-design the complete glove box. Thetanks provided by the present invention, including tank 3000, are alsomodular in nature meaning that each subcomponent 3006 a through 3011 dmay be modified in shape, form, and sometimes even function yet maystill be combined into an integral tank 3000. The modularity allows fordifferent subcomponents to be “swapped out” in the field during use ofthe glovebox.

In accordance with the present invention, the subcomponents 3006 athrough 3011 d (as well as others making up the inventive glove boxes)are rugged and designed to maintain their geometric shapes even whensubjected to vibrations and shock because they are made from materialthat has a high modulus of elasticity (e.g., HDPE density is 0.95).

Though not shown in Figure each of the insert connectors 3006 a-d may befitted with a suitable gasket or gaskets to ensure a leak-freeconnection when the insert connectors are made a part of the tank 3000.

Referring now to FIG. 3 there is shown an exemplary “blank” insertconnector 3006 e according to an embodiment of the invention. The blankinsert connector 3006 e may be used when a particular passageway 3011a-d or 3012 a/b is not needed (e.g., there is no need to connect asection 400 to a passageway). In accordance with an embodiment of theinvention the blank insert connector 3006 e may comprise a pair ofplates 30 3016 and associated pairs of O-rings. Each of the plates isformed with D-ring grooves that form threads for screwing or otherwiseturning the completed insert 3006 e while inserting it into apassageway. In an embodiment of the invention, the plates 3015, 3016 maybe bolted together or otherwise joined using any number of alternativesto form the integral insert 3006 e. A lip 3018 a and 3018 b is formed oneach plate 3015, 3016. In an embodiment of the invention the lips 3018a, 3018 b are conical in shape but may take the form of other shapes asneeded to perform the function of helping to form an airtight connectionwhen the insert 3006 e is placed or otherwise inserted into apassageway. The air tight connection is assured due to the use of thefour O-rings 3013 a, 3013 b, 3014 a, 3014 b and lips 3018 a and 3018 b.Each of the O-rings and lip function as a separate independent barrierto the flow of air.

It should be noted that the dimensions shown in FIG. 3 are merelyillustrative, nominal dimensions. In additional embodiments of theinvention blanks with different dimensions may be used to achieve thesame function (e.g., as a seal) depending on the application/designcriteria.

Referring now to FIG. 4A, there is shown a system 1001 for providingprotection against harmful materials. As shown the system 1001 comprisesan exemplary glove box 1001 a that includes a raised top 1002 with “seethrough” surface 1005, exemplary insert section 1004, exemplaryfiltering section 1006 and an exemplary power control subsystem 4000.Also shown is an alternative flat top 1005 a.

Referring now to FIG. 4B there is shown another exemplary embodiment ofa power control subsystem 4000 a in accordance with the presentinvention. As shown, the subsystem 4000 a comprises a power and controlunit 4001, power and signaling cartridge 4003 and optional multi-level,bi-color LED light source 4002.

FIG. 4C depicts an exemplary embodiment of a power and signalingcartridge 4003 shown installed in a glove box and connected to a powerand control unit 4001 using suitable connecting cables 4004 andconnector 4006 a, for example, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 4D depicts a simplified exploded view of a power and signalingcartridge 4003 in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention. As shown the cartridge includes connectors 4005 a and b thatmate with cables 4004 (shown in FIG. 4C} to connect the cartridge to thecontrol unit 4001 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4E depicts an exemplary embodiment of a power and control unit 4001in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown theunit may include: a first input power supply section 4007 for inputting,for example, power at 24 volts; a second power supply section 4008 forinputting a wide range of regulated voltages (e.g., 90 to 260 volts);and a system start section 4009. Together sections 4007 through 4009 maycomprise a power supply section of the unit 4001.

Unit 4001 may further comprise an output power section that includes anAC power output section 4014 and output power and signaling section 4013that may be connected to a power and signaling control section, such assection 4003 (see FIGS. 4C and 40), using cables 4006 a and b to controlthe air flow and pressure, for example, within a glove box.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 4E the unit 4001additionally includes a negative pressure indicator and alarm section(e.g., display and LED) 4010 and other indicator sections 4012 a, b.Still further the unit 4001 may include a battery backup capability 4011that may provide power to a glove box in the event that no power isreceived at sections 4007, 4008. Unit 4001 functions can allow the userto conduct easily and safely a thorough self certification test justbefore he starts the actual use of the box. This test allows theverification that the main components of the box are operating properlyand that he will be shielded from dangerous materials during operation.A pressure decay test and an operating test can be conducted in lessthan 6 minutes even when system is not connected to outside power supply

It should be understood that the sections making up unit 4001 shown inFIG. 4E are exemplary and other, analogous sections may be substitutedfor those shown as needed to support a particular, inventive glove box.

Besides being light weight and modular, the glove boxes provided by thepresent invention are simple to maintain and decontaminate. For example,a glove box like that shown in FIG. 1A may be completely disassembled(and reassembled) with 2 hexagonal wrenches. Further, its unique modulardesign using rugged components allows for visual verification that eachinsert or other attached accessory has been securely inserted orotherwise connected to the glove box assuring its safe operation. Intests completed by the inventor, exemplary filters may be exchanged(e.g., to substitute a biological filter for a chemical one) in lessthan 5 minutes, a top may be replaced in less than 3 minutes, a powerand control system may be connected in less than 2 minutes while a tankmay be replaced in less than 2 minutes.

Because the components and subcomponents making up inventive glove boxsystems in accordance with the present invention (e.g., tank, top) canbe made by, for example, welding separate plastic surfaces the size,volume and dimensions of glove box systems provided by the presentinvention maybe easily modified. For example, the height of the verticalwalls making up a tank may be increased or decreased.

As explained before, gaskets and gasketing material is used throughoutinventive glove box systems. These gaskets and gasketing materialsprovide for tight and reliable seals as well as compensate for slightdimensional imperfections in the machining of components and/orsubcomponents.

Though the description above has set forth some examples in order toillustrate the methods and devices of the present invention, a morecomplete scope of the present invention is given by the claims thatfollow.

1.-20. (canceled)
 21. A one person, hand carriable, and air tightClass-3 glove box for handling harmful material, the glove boxcomprising: a top component; a tank component comprising a lightweight,rigid plastic and comprising an upper edge removably attached to the topcomponent, a floor and an external vertical wall comprising a pluralityof passageways for removable connection to other components, with unusedpassageways covered to maintain the airtight integrity of the Class 3glove box and a gasketing material disposed between the upper edge ofthe tank component and the top component, said top component and tankcomponent configured to maintain a negative pressure; at least one HEPAfilter removably attached to one of the passageways for filtering airassociated with the Class 3 glove box, and an exhaust HEPA filterremovably attached to an exhaust opening; and an input/output componentremovably attached to one of the passageways for introducing the harmfulmaterial including, but not limited to, bacteriological agents, to, orextracting such harmful material from, the glove box, wherein theClass-3 glove box is one person, hand-carriable.
 22. The glove box as inclaim 21 wherein the weight of the glove box does not exceed 75 pounds.23. The glove box of claim 21 wherein the top component includes a “seethrough” portion allowing a user to view the harmful material within theglove box.
 24. The glove box of claim 23 wherein the “see through”material comprises a material selected from the group consisting of:glass, plexiglas and polycarbonate.
 25. The glove box of claim 21wherein the top component comprises a five-sided, rigid plasticcomponent.
 26. The glove box of claim 21 further comprising at least onepre-filter element component.
 27. The glove box as in claim 26 whereinthe pre-filter element component comprises an intake filter and the HEPAfilter element is disposed adjacent to the passageway in the tankvertical sidewall.
 28. The glove box of claim 21 wherein the verticalwall of the tank component further comprises a plurality of vertical,welded walls, floor welds and upper and lower edge welds.
 29. The glovebox of claim 21 wherein the vertical wall further comprises rigid,external vertical ribs.
 30. The glove box as in claim 21, furthercomprising one or more blank connectors for covering the unusedpassageways to maintain the airtight integrity of the glove box.
 31. Theglove box of claim 21 wherein the tank component comprises a moldedplastic material.
 32. The glove box of claim 21, the glove boxconfigured such that when the dimensions of one component are modified,the dimensions of remaining components change to maintain the airtightintegrity of the glove box.
 33. The glove box of claim 21 wherein thetank component comprises a plastic material selected from the groupconsisting of: high density polyurethane, an acrylic, and apolycarbonate.
 34. The glove box as in claim 21 comprising an insertconfigured as a pair of lipped plates and O-rings covering all unusedpassageways.
 35. The glove box as in claim 21 wherein the gasketingmaterial comprises an elastic polymer or an ethylene propylene dienemonomer.